Eddie Jones reveals admiration for rugby league after spending time with Hull

Correspondent
England rugby union coach Eddie Jones spoke of his admiration for rugby league after spending time with Super League side Hull.

The Australian was invited to the Black and Whites’ training base on a two-day consultancy role by compatriot Brett Hodgson, who enjoyed a similar stint with the Rugby Football Union a couple of years ago.

Jones revealed he is a fan of rugby league and explained why he linked up with Hull.

“I’m always open to learning new things from different sports,” Jones said in an interview for Hull’s matchday programme with Catalans Dragons.

“There’s plenty to learn about the attacking strategy of rugby league.

“Brett (Hodgson) was a player I admired a lot when I watched him play back in Australia and now he has gravitated towards the coaching side of the game. He’s doing a great job at Hull FC.

“Knowing I was scheduled to come up here in May, I have been keeping tabs on Hull’s progress in Super League so far this season.

“I also watch every single game of NRL – I really do enjoy watching rugby league.

“The efforts of the players to play the game of rugby league are absolutely outstanding. The skill combined with the physicality of the game makes it a great spectacle.”

Jones also revealed who caught his eye during the two days in Hull.

“I liked the look of the little left-footed seven, Marc Sneyd. He looked very sharp,” he added.

“Josh Reynolds on the right-hand side had plenty of ball-playing ability, too.”


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